Do you often feel lonely and sad? Do you long for romance and are willing to do whatever it takes to meet that special person? Speaking another language could revolutionize your love life! So, why wait? Learning how to say ‘love’ in Cantonese could be just what you need to find it.
Or perhaps you were lucky, and have found your Cantonese partner already. Fantastic! Yet, a cross-cultural relationship comes with unique challenges. Learning how to speak your lover’s language will greatly improve your communication and enhance the relationship. At CantoneseClass101, our team will teach you all the words, quotes and phrases you need to woo your Cantonese lover with excellence! Our tutors provide personal assistance, with plenty of extra material available to make Cantonese dating easy for you.
Table of Contents
- Common Phrases You’ll Need for a Date
- The Most Romantic Ideas for a Date
- Must-know Valentine’s Day Vocabulary
- Cantonese Love Phrases for Valentine’s Day
- Cantonese Quotes about Love
- Marriage Proposal Lines
- 15 Most Common Break-Up Lines
- Will Falling in Love Help You Learn Cantonese Faster?
Start with a bonus, and download the ‘How To be a Good Lover Cheat Sheet’ for FREE! (Logged-In Member Only)
1. Common Phrases You’ll Need for a Date
So, you have met your Cantonese love interest. Congratulations! Who knows where this could take you…?! However, the two of you have just met and you’re not ready to say the Cantonese word for love just yet. Great, it is better to get to know him/her first. Wow your prospective love by using these Cantonese date phrases to set up a spectacular first date.
Would you like to go out to dinner with me?
- 賞面同我食餐飯嗎？
- soeng2 min2 tung4 ngo5 sik6 caan1 faan6 maa3?
The important question! In most cultures, this phrase indicates: ‘I’m romantically interested in you’. Flirting in Cantonese is no different, so don’t take your date to Mcdonald’s!
Are you free this weekend?
- 你今個禮拜尾得唔得閒？
- nei5 gam1 go3 lai5 baai1 mei5 dak1 m4 dak1 haan4?
This is a preamble to asking your love interest on a date. If you get an immediate ‘Yes’, that’s good news!
Would you like to hang out with me?
- 我哋一齊去玩好嗎？
- ngo5 dei6 jat1 cai4 heoi3 waan2 hou2 maa3?
You like her/him, but you’re not sure if there’s chemistry. Ask them to hang out first to see if a dinner date is next.
What time shall we meet tomorrow?
- 我哋聽日幾點見？
- ngo5 dei6 ting1 jat6 gei2 dim2 gin3?
Set a time, and be sure to arrive early! Nothing spoils a potential relationship more than a tardy date.
Where shall we meet?
- 我哋喺邊度等？
- ngo5 dei6 hai2 bin1 dou6 dang2?
You can ask this, but also suggest a place.
You look great.
- 你好靚。
- nei5 hou2 leng3.
A wonderful ice breaker! This phrase will help them relax a bit – they probably took great care to look their best just for you.
You are so cute.
- 你好可愛。
- nei5 hou2 ho2 oi3.
If the two of you are getting on really well, this is a fun, flirtatious phrase to use.
What do you think of this place?
- 你鍾唔鍾意呢度？
- nei5 zung1 m4 zung1 ji3 ni1 dou6?
This another good conversation starter. Show off your Cantonese language skills!
Can I see you again?
- 我可唔可以再約你？
- ngo5 ho2 m4 ho2 ji3 zoi3 joek3 nei5?
So the date went really well – don’t waste time! Make sure you will see each other again.
Shall we go somewhere else?
- 不如我哋去第二度？
- bat1 jyu4 ngo5 dei6 heoi3 dai6 ji6 dou6?
If the place you meet at is not great, you can suggest going elsewhere. It is also a good question to follow the previous one. Variety is the spice of life!
I know a good place.
- 我識一個好地方。
- ngo5 sik1 jat1 go3 hou2 dei6 fong1.
Use this with the previous question. However, don’t say if you don’t know a good place!
I will drive you home.
- 我車你返屋企。
- ngo5 ce1 nei5 faan1 uk1 kei5.
If your date doesn’t have transport, this is a polite, considerate offer. However, don’t be offended if she/he turns you down on the first date. Especially a woman might not feel comfortable letting you drive her home when the two of you are still basically strangers.
That was a great evening.
- 今晚好開心。
- gam1 maan1 hou2 hoi1 sam1.
This is a good phrase to end the evening with.
When can I see you again?
- 幾時可以再見你？
- gei2 si4 ho2 ji3 zoi3 gin3 nei5?
If he/she replied ‘Yes’ to ‘Can I see you again?’, this is the next important question.
I’ll call you.
- 我打畀你。
- ngo5 daa2 bei2 nei5.
Say this only if you really mean to do it. In many cultures, this could imply that you’re keeping the proverbial backdoor open.
Sneak Peek! Log in to Download this Cheat Sheet!
2. The Most Romantic Ideas for a Date
You learned all the Cantonese phrases to make a date – congratulations! Now you have to decide where to meet, which can be tricky. Discuss these options with your lover to gauge whether you like the same things. Check out romantic date ideas in Cantonese below!
museum
- 博物館
- bok3 mat6 gun2
If you’re looking for unique date ideas that are fun but won’t break the bank, museums are the perfect spot! You won’t be running out of things to say in the conversations.
candlelit dinner
- 燭光晚餐
- zuk1 gwong1 maan5 caan1
A candlelit dinner is perhaps best to reserve for when the relationship is getting serious. It’s very intimate, and says: “Romance!” It’s a fantastic choice if you’re sure you and your date are in love with each other!
go to the zoo
- 去動物園
- heoi3 dung6 mat6 jyun4
This is a good choice for shy lovers who want to get the conversation going. Just make sure your date likes zoos, as some people dislike them. Maybe not for the first date, but this is also a great choice if your lover has children – you’ll win his/her adoration for inviting them along!
go for a long walk
- 去散步
- heoi3 saan3 bou6
Need to talk about serious stuff, or just want to relax with your date? Walking together is soothing, and a habit you can keep up together always! Just make sure it’s a beautiful walk that’s not too strenuous.
go to the opera
- 去睇歌劇
- heoi3 tai2 go1 kek6
This type of date should only be attempted if both of you love the opera. It can be a special treat, followed by a candlelit dinner!
go to the aquarium
- 去水族館
- heoi3 seoi2 zuk6 gun2
Going to the aquarium is another good idea if you need topics for conversation, or if you need to impress your lover’s kids! Make sure your date doesn’t have a problem with aquariums.
walk on the beach
- 喺沙灘散步
- hai2 saa1 taan1 saan3 bou6
This can be a very romantic stroll, especially at night! The sea is often associated with romance and beauty.
have a picnic
- 野餐
- je5 caan1
If you and your date need to get more comfortable together, this can be a fantastic date. Spending time in nature is soothing and calms the nerves.
cook a meal together
- 一齊煮飯
- jat1 cai4 zyu2 faaan6
If you want to get an idea of your date’s true character in one go, this is an excellent date! You will quickly see if the two of you can work together in a confined space. If it works, it will be fantastic for the relationship and create a sense of intimacy. If not, you will probably part ways!
have dinner and see a movie
- 食飯睇戲
- sik6 faan6 tai2 hei3
This is traditional date choice works perfectly well. Just make sure you and your date like the same kind of movies!
3. Must-know Valentine’s Day Vocabulary
Expressing your feelings honestly is very important in any relationship all year round. Yet, on Valentine’s Day you really want to shine. Impress your lover this Valentine’s with your excellent vocabulary, and make his/her day! We teach you, in fun, effective ways, the meanings of the words and how to pronounce them. You can also copy the characters and learn how to write ‘I love you’ in Cantonese – think how impressed your date will be!
4. Cantonese Love Phrases for Valentine’s Day
So, you now have the basic Valentine’s Day vocabulary under your belt. Well done! But, do you know how to say ‘I love you’ in Cantonese yet? Or perhaps you are still only friends. So, do you know how to say ‘I like you’ or ‘I have a crush on you’ in Cantonese? No? Don’t worry, here are all the love phrases you need to bowl over your Cantonese love on this special day!
I love you.
- 我愛你。
- ngo5 oi3 nei5.
Saying ‘I love you’ in Cantonese carries the same weight as in all languages. Use this only if you’re sure and sincere about your feelings for your partner/friend.
You mean so much to me.
- 你喺我心目中好重要。
- nei5 hai2 ngo5 sam1 muk6 zung1 hou2 zung6 jiu3.
This is a beautiful expression of gratitude that will enhance any relationship! It makes the receiver feel appreciated and their efforts recognized.
Will you be my Valentine?
- 你願意做我嘅愛人嗎？
- nei5 jyun6 ji3 zou6 ngo5 ge3 oi3 jan4 maa3?
With these words, you are taking your relationship to the next level! Or, if you have been a couple for a while, it shows that you still feel the romance. So, go for it!
You’re so beautiful.
- 你好靚。
- nei5 hou2 leng3.
If you don’t know how to say ‘You’re pretty’ in Cantonese, this is a good substitute, gentlemen!
I think of you as more than a friend.
- 我當你係朋友咋。
- ngo5 dong3 nei5 hai6 pang4 jau5 zaa3.
Say this if you are not yet sure that your romantic feelings are reciprocated. It is also a safe go-to if you’re unsure about the Cantonese dating culture.
A hundred hearts would be too few to carry all my love for you.
- 一百個心都裝唔晒我對你嘅愛。
- jat1 baak3 go3 sam1 dou1 zong1 m4 saai3 ngo5 deoi3 nei5 ge3 oi3.
You romantic you…! When your heart overflows with love, this would be the best phrase to use.
Love is just love. It can never be explained.
- 愛就係愛。解釋唔到。
- oi3 zau6 hai6 oi3. gaai2 sik1 m4 dou2.
If you fell in love unexpectedly or inexplicably, this one’s for you.
You’re so handsome.
- 你好靚仔。
- nei5 hou2 leng3 zai2.
Ladies, this phrase lets your Cantonese love know how much you appreciate his looks! Don’t be shy to use it; men like compliments too.
I’ve got a crush on you.
- 我暗戀你。
- ngo5 am3 lyun5 nei5.
If you like someone, but you’re unsure about starting a relationship, it would be prudent to say this. It simply means that you like someone very, very much and think they’re amazing.
You make me want to be a better man.
- 你令我想成為一個更好嘅人。
- nei5 ling6 ngo5 soeng2 sing4 wai4 jat1 go3 gang3 hou2 ge3 jan4.
Gentlemen, don’t claim this phrase as your own! It hails from the movie ‘As Good as it Gets’, but it is sure to make your Cantonese girlfriend feel very special. Let her know that she inspires you!
Let all that you do be done in love.
- 令一切都由愛出發。
- ling6 jat1 cai3 dou1 jau4 oi3 ceot1 faat3.
We hope.
You are my sunshine, my love.
- 你係我嘅陽光，我嘅愛人。
- nei5 hai6 ngo5 ge3 joeng4 gwong1, ngo5 ge3 oi3 jan4.
A compliment that lets your lover know they bring a special quality to your life. Really nice!
Words can’t describe my love for you.
- 冇辦法用言語嚟形容我對你嘅愛。
- mou5 baan6 faat3 jung6 jin4 jyu5 lei4 jing4 jung4 ngo5 deoi3 nei5 ge3 oi3.
Better say this when you’re feeling serious about the relationship! It means that your feelings are very intense.
We were meant to be together.
- 我哋注定喺埋一齊。
- ngo5 dei6 zyu3 ding6 hai2 maai4 jat1 cai4.
This is a loving affirmation that shows you see a future together, and that you feel a special bond with your partner.
If you were thinking about someone while reading this, you’re definitely in love.
- 如果你讀緊呢句嘅時候諗緊某個人，你肯定已經墮入愛河。
- jyu4 gwo2 nei5 duk6 gan2 ni1 geoi3 je5 ge3 si4 hau6 lam2 gan2 mau5 go3 jan4, nei5 hang2 ding6 ji5 ging1 do6 jap6 oi3 ho4.
Here’s something fun to tease your lover with. And hope he/she was thinking of you!
5. Cantonese Quotes about Love
You’re a love champ! You and your Cantonese lover are getting along fantastically, your dates are awesome, your Valentine’s Day together was spectacular, and you’re very much in love. Good for you! Here are some beautiful phrases of endearment in Cantonese that will remind him/her who is in your thoughts all the time.
6. Marriage Proposal Lines
Wow. Your Cantonese lover is indeed the love of your life – congratulations! And may only happiness follow the two of you! In most traditions, the man asks the woman to marry; this is also the Cantonese custom. Here are a few sincere and romantic lines that will help you to ask your lady-love for her hand in marriage.
7. 15 Most Common Break-Up Lines
Instead of moving towards marriage or a long-term relationship, you find that the spark is not there for you. That is a pity! But even though breaking up is never easy, continuing a bad or unfulfilling relationship would be even harder. Remember to be kind to the person you are going to say goodbye to; respect and sensitivity cost nothing. Here are some phrases to help you break up gently.
- 我哋有啲嘢要傾下。
- ngo5 dei6 jau5 di1 je5 jiu3 king1 haa5.
This is not really a break-up line, but it is a good conversation opener with a serious tone.
I’m just not ready for this kind of relationship.
- 我未有心理準備發展呢種關係。
- ngo5 mei6 jau5 sam1 lei5 zeon2 bei6 faat3 zin2 ni1 zung2 gwaan1 hai6.
Things moved a bit fast and got too intense, too soon? Painful as it is, honesty is often the best way to break up with somebody.
Let’s just be friends.
- 我哋做朋友算啦。
- ngo5 dei6 zou6 pang4 jau5 syun3 laa1.
If the relationship was very intense, and you have sent many ‘i love u’ texts in Cantonese, this would not be a good breakup line. Feelings need to calm down before you can be friends, if ever. If the relationship has not really developed yet, a friendship would be possible.
I think we need a break.
- 我諗我哋要分開下。
- ngo5 lam2 ngo5 dei6 jiu3 fan1 hoi1 haa5.
This is again honest, and to the point. No need to play with someone’s emotions by not letting them know how you feel. However, this could imply that you may fall in love with him/her again after a period of time, so use with discretion.
You deserve better.
- 你應該可以搵到好過我嘅人。
- ngo5 jing1 goi1 ho2 ji3 wan2 dou2 hou2 gwo3 ngo5 ge3 jan4.
Yes, he/she probably deserves a better relationship if your own feelings have cooled down.
We should start seeing other people.
- 我們應該試下同其他人拍拖。
- ngo5 dei6 jing1 goi1 si3 haa5 tung4 kei4 taa1 jan4 paak3 to1.
This is probably the least gentle break-up phrase, so reserve it for a lover that doesn’t get the message!
I need my space.
- 我需要啲私人空間。
- ngo5 seoi1 jiu3 di1 si1 jan4 hung1 gaan1.
When a person is too clingy or demanding, this would be an suitable break-up phrase. It is another good go-to for that lover who doesn’t get the message!
I think we’re moving too fast.
- 我諗我哋進展得太快。
- ngo5 lam2 ngo5 dei6 zeon3 zin2 dak1 taai3 faai3.
Say this if you want to keep the relationship, but need to slow down its progress a bit. It is also good if you feel things are getting too intense for your liking. However, it is not really a break-up line, so be careful not to mislead.
I need to focus on my career.
- 我要專注喺我嘅事業。
- ngo5 jiu3 zyun1 zyu3 hai2 ngo5 ge3 si6 jip6.
If you feel that you will not be able to give 100% in a relationship due to career demands, this is the phrase to use. It’s also good if you are unwilling to give up your career for a relationship.
I’m not good enough for you.
- 我配你唔起。
- ngo5 pui3 nei5 m4 hei2.
Say this only if you really believe it, or you’ll end up sounding false. Break-ups are usually hard for the receiving party, so don’t insult him/her with an insincere comment.
I just don’t love you anymore.
- 我已經唔再愛你喇。
- ngo5 ji5 ging1 m4 zoi3 oi3 nei5 laa3.
This harsh line is sometimes the best one to use if you are struggling to get through to a stubborn, clingy lover who won’t accept your break up. Use it as a last resort. Then switch your phone off and block their emails!
We’re just not right for each other.
- 我哋唔係好適合對方。
- ngo5 dei6 m4 hai6 hou2 sik1 hap6 deoi3 fong1.
If this is how you truly feel, you need to say it. Be kind, gentle and polite.
It’s for the best.
- 咁樣其實最好。
- gam2 joeng2 kei4 sat6 zeoi3 hou2.
This phrase is called for if circumstances are difficult and the relationship is not progressing well. Love should enhance one’s life, not burden it!
We’ve grown apart.
- 我哋已經冇共同嘅目標。
- ngo5 dei6 ji5 ging1 mou5 gung6 tung4 ge3 muk6 biu1.
Cross-cultural relationships are often long-distance ones, and it is easy to grow apart over time.
It’s not you. It’s me.
- 唔關你事，係我嘅問題。
- m4 gwaan1 nei5 si6, hai6 ngo5 ge3 man6 tai4.
As long as you mean it, this can be a kind thing to say. It means that there’s nothing wrong with your Cantonese lover as a person, but that you need something different from a relationship.
8. Will Falling in Love help you Learn Cantonese faster?
Most people will agree that the above statement is a no-brainer – of course it will! Your body will be flooded with feel-good hormones, which are superb motivators for anything. CantoneseClass101 is one of the best portals to help help make this a reality, so don’t hesitate to enroll now! Let’s quickly look at the reasons why falling in love will speed up your learning of the Cantonese language.
Three Reasons Why Having a Lover will Help you Learn Cantonese Faster!
1- Being in a love relationship with your Cantonese speaking partner will immerse you in the culture
CantoneseClass101 uses immersive methods and tools to teach you Cantonese, but having a relationship with a native speaker will be a very valuable addition to your learning experience! You will gain exposure to their world, realtime and vividly, which will make the language come alive even more for you. The experience is likely to expand your world-view, which should motivate you to learn Cantonese even faster.
2- Having your Cantonese romantic partner will mean more opportunity to practice speaking
Nothing beats continuous practice when learning a new language. Your partner will probably be very willing to assist you in this, as your enhanced Cantonese language skills will enhance the relationship. Communication is, after all, one of the most important pillars of a good partnership. Also, you will get to impress your lover with the knowledge gained through your studies – a win/win situation!
3- A supportive Cantonese lover is likely to make a gentle, patient teacher and study aid!
With his/her heart filled with love and goodwill for you, your Cantonese partner is likely to patiently and gently correct your mistakes when you speak. This goes not only for grammar, but also for accent and meaning. With his/her help, you could sound like a native in no time!
Three Reasons Why CantoneseClass101 helps you learn Cantonese Even Faster when you’re In Love
Start with a bonus, and download the ‘How To be a Good Lover Cheat Sheet’ for FREE! (Logged-In Member Only)
1- All the Resources and Materials Will Help Both of You
Falling in love with a man or woman speaking Cantonese is an opportunity for both of you to learn a new language! For this reason, every lesson, transcript, vocabulary list, and resource at CantoneseClass101 is translated into both English and Cantonese. So, while your partner can help you learn Cantonese faster, you can potentially also help him/her learn and master English!
2- Lessons Are Designed to Help You Understand and Engage with Cantonese Culture
At CantoneseClass101, our focus is to help our students learn practical vocabulary and phrases used by everyday people in China. This means that, from your very first lesson, you can apply what you learn immediately! So, when your Cantonese partner wants to go out to a restaurant, play Pokemon Go, or attend just about any social function, you have the vocabulary and phrases necessary to have a great time!
3- Access to Special Resources Dedicated to Romantic Cantonese Phrases
You now have access to CantoneseClass101’s specially-developed sections and tools to teach you love words, phrases, and cultural insights to help you find and attract your Cantonese soul mate. A personal tutor will assist you to master these brilliantly – remember to invite him/her to your wedding!
